Schemer-Dreamer

Steve Walsh | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 13, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Wounded Bird Records
• ASIN: B0001XAQXM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,948 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Digitally remastered edition of this 1980 album from the Kansas frontman. Kansas were one of the most successful American Rock bands during the 1970s. Their carefully constructed brand of Progressive Rock managed to not only appeal to album buyers but to also deliver hit singles. Inevitably, Kansas' success led to some its members looking for further opportunities and, following a solo album from guitarist Kerry Livgren, vocalist Steve Walsh was the second member to branch out and record an album of his own. Taking his cue from their most successful record Point Of Know Return, the emphasis was on shorter more accessible tracks but was still imbued with supreme instrumental agility and, of course, his signature vocal. Several members of the band helped out (Kerry Livgren, Phil Ehart and Rich Williams) as well as members of Dixie Dregs, including guitarist Steve Morse who, ironically, went on to join Kansas in 1986. Rock Candy. 2010. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The other half of Audio-visions?, May 7, 2005

By 

TheFitzPatrick's "TheFitzPatrick's" (TX, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schemer-Dreamer (Audio CD)

I saw a remark somewhere, I think from Robby Steinhardt, the violinist for Kansas, that the Kansas album of 1980 (Audio-visions) had suffered because both Kerry Livgren and Steve Walsh had kept their best material for their own solo albums. One can only agree that the best from Schemer-Dreamer by Steve Walsh, Seeds of Change by Kerry Livgren, and Audio-visions by Kansas, would have resulted in one phenomenal album. Fortunately for us fans we have all three and can consider 1980 to be a banner year.
The production and musical choices on this album are very close to the sound of classic Kansas, though lacking many of the progressive rock elements that were normally supplied by Kerry Livgren.
Wait Until Tomorrow however would fit on a Kansas album without a blink; changes in mood, expressive, well crafted lyrics - the song begins with soft voice and piano and builds to a desperate jam-filled crescendo.
The ballad Just How it Feels, a tribute to his grandparents, is possibly the most poignantly beautiful and touching song ever sung or written by Steve, reminiscent of Lonely Wind, from Kansas' first album, more than Dust in the Wind.
The foot stomping, piano punching rocker Every Step of the Way is Steve's autobiographical statement - would have been Kansas' answer to Boston's Rock and Roll Band.
The energetic You Think You Got It Made was included on Kansas' Audiovisions tour playlist, was played pretty much exactly as it sounds on the album and fit in very well, testifying to how close to Kansas the sound is.
Any Kansas fan will find much to love here. The sound is definitely in the vein of Monolith/Audiovisions Kansas rather than Steve's later work with Streets. Highly recommend this gem.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the better solo releases I've heard, February 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Schemer-Dreamer (Audio CD)

As a longtime Kansas fan, I was intrigued when I stumbled across this album(in vinyl). The first cut, and the title cut, jumps out from the beginning. The second cut, "Get too Far," is also up tempo. The next song is the best on the album. "So many Nights" is a classic love song. Only better. Steve Walsh's vocals melt in your ears on ballads. The rest of the album is also very good. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes rock music.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best kept secret in rock and roll, April 24, 2000

By 

RJ (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schemer-Dreamer (Audio CD)

Everyone who loves rock looks for that elusive musical gem. Steve Walsh produced such a project with Schemer-Dreamer. He is in great voice throughout the CD and the music is dynamite. "Every Step of the Way" is one of the best rock songs every written. "Wait Until Tomorrow" features the gut-wrenching guitar of Steve Morse. The rest of the CD is filled with quality tunes and has already proven to be timeless. This one may not have gotten much radio play, but it is one of the greatest rock CDs ever. Give it a try.